“To whom much is given much is required.”
The University of San Diego (USD) is a contemporary Catholic university, grounded in the liberal arts and anchored along an international border, advancing academic excellence to create a more inclusive, sustainable and hopeful world. The University of San Diego recently adopted a new strategic plan, known as Lighting the Way to 2030. One of the goals in that plan is to help USD students thrive, which means promoting the holistic success, well-being and sense of belonging of all students and empowering them to live inspired and meaningful lives. The Princeton Review recognized USD as one of 16 institutions in the nation committed to student mental health and wellbeing. Charlotte Johnson, JD is USD’s Vice President, Student Affairs.
#1 Charlotte Johnson, JD grew up in Flint, Michigan, a town many people are familiar with because of the water crisis and the Michael Moore documentary, “Roger and Me”.
#2 My extensive travels in South Africa had a huge impact on my life. Being in the same room with Nelson Mandela was mind altering!
#3 There is an old southern expression, “You can’t give water if your well has run dry,” which I have always taken to mean that it is important to engage in self-care if you want to give your all to others.
#4 I am an introvert. I am “on” a lot and truly enjoy engaging with students and others in the community, but I also need time alone each day to recharge.
#5 My late father and I used to watch “It’s a Wonderful Life” every Christmas. We would cry at the end, even though we knew the film by heart.
#6 Bruce, my husband of 36 years has been a Godsend. He is kind, wise, adventurous and super supportive. He is also hilarious. Good humor, including being able to laugh at ourselves, is the key to a long and happy marriage.
#7 Two of my favorite books I read as a young girl – I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, by Maya Angelou, and The Diary of a Young Girl, by Anne Frank.
#8 I am fortunate to work with Dr. James T. Harris, III, USD’s president, and Dr. Gail F. Baker, USD’s senior vice president and provost, both of whom are transformational leaders and kinder than you could imagine.
#9 USD recently opened its new Palomar Health Student Wellness Center, which offers dedicated areas for fitness, a teaching kitchen and juice bar, and flexible rooms for strength training, cardio, and health-related classes.
#10 USD is proud to have a “Thriving Student Model”, which was developed to help USD students succeed and grow at every level – in mind, in body and in spirit.
University of San Diego
www.sandiego.edu
